To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of effective maintenance of the UK’s canals on (a) regeneration and (b) tourism. (130362)

[holding answer 27 March 2007]: The contribution of the waterways to urban and rural regeneration is acknowledged. They act as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration, having the potential to generate jobs and development. There is reckoned to be around a 20 per cent. uplift in land values along a canal corridor. Their contribution to tourism is also significant given the opportunities they provide for leisure and recreation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the reduction in British Waterways' grant on the planned maintenance of canals. (130364)

[holding answer 27 March 2007]: This is an operational matter for British Waterways. I understand it announced deferral of major engineering works to the value of £5.6 million following the in-year cut of £3.9 million for 2006-07.